The Dragonfly Tree

 

A Blue Dasher pair

Everybody who sees dragonflies swirling over the meadows and moors of Halibut Point wonders if they ever come down for a rest, and where it could be.

Recently I came upon an ideal roosting spot for dragonflies between their flight sallies.

Blue Dasher male

Besides satisfying the purposes of the dragonflies it gave me a chance to enjoy their exquisite details in a stationary pose.

Blue Dasher female

For each of us, a stable perch and clear open sightlines were helpful parts of the arrangement.

Black Saddlebags

Some dragonflies consistently chose the apex of the tree for their perch.

Spot-winged Glider pair

Others preferred a less conspicuous roost in the mid-canopy.

Painted Skimmer

The leafless tree had made a valiant go of pioneering life over the thin-soiled ledges. Last year's drought overwhelmed it. Now it stands like a mast and rigging without sails hosting dragonflies at home from their excursions.